(Tribune News Service) — As Pennsylvania veterans work to successfully reenter their communities and find jobs, the state hopes to ease the process with expanded funding for the Veterans Employment Program.

The new grants, made available by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, will fund “new and innovative projects” to expand veteran employment opportunities, close funding gaps and boost existing initiatives. The goal is to connect veterans with more job opportunities and help address barriers to employment.

One grant will go to a program serving Delaware County, a region outside of Philadelphia that sees a disproportionately high number of veteran residents compared to other counties. Nonprofits, educational institutions and other groups across Pennsylvania supporting veterans can apply for three additional awards.

The funding proves critical for a state with the fourth largest veteran population in the nation — more than 700,000 veterans live in Pennsylvania, according to the L&I.

There are nearly 22,000 veterans in Allegheny County alone, according to a Center for Workforce Information & Analysis report released in March. Labor force participation rates among these veterans remain lower than nonveterans, with 72.5% participating in the labor force versus 79.8% of nonveterans.

“Because of their sacrifice, we must ensure these individuals have access to every opportunity they need to successfully transition back into civilian life,” Secretary Nancy A. Walker said. “VEP funding is not only an investment in veterans and their families — it helps employers reach an untapped labor pool that will ultimately strengthen Pennsylvania communities and the Commonwealth’s economy.”

In March 2021, the “Coordination of Veterans Services In Pennsylvania: A Task Force and Advisory Committee Report found that many veterans do not complete their education due to problematic financial status, PTSD or other trauma. Almost all veterans use transition resources in the first two years after their military service, the report says.

In a statement, Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, said these grants can ensure a more successful transition into civilian life.

“These grants will reduce the stress of the transition process and provide veterans one less thing to worry about as they begin their new career,” Mr. Schindler said in the statement. “We are grateful to L&I and the Shapiro Administration for recognizing the exceptional skills veterans bring to the workplace, and for helping them find meaningful employment.”

The newly announced funding also aims to target the barriers families of servicemembers face. Interview bias, skills gaps and licensing requirements can leave active-duty military spouses earning roughly 26.8% less than their non-military spouse peers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, 63% are underemployed.

Applications are due on Nov. 15.

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